Hi there, here is July’s update!
How’s the old grant funding roller coaster running?
These are pretty challenging times we are going through, and trust me, I do understand the pain!
In fact, I’m actually working with a student consultancy team from the University of Huddersfield as part of a university research project, who have developed a survey – which aims to explore the emotional experiences and support needs of individuals involved in creating and submitting grant applications (in the not-for-profit sector).
Please could you help….
We would be extremely grateful if you could take a few minutes out to complete it.
The survey is completely anonymous, it takes about 10 minutes to complete, and all responses will directly contribute to shaping meaningful support recommendations in the not-for-profit sector. (And of course, I’ll keep you updated with any outcomes and learning.)
This is the link to the survey
Would you be able to send this on to at least one ‘grant applying’ colleague, friend or associate, and ask them to also complete the survey? They may well benefit from one of the many funding sources I’ve listed below – so hopefully a win/win situation.
Thanks in advance for taking time out of your busy day.
It is really appreciated.
(Remember – you can also join the Free Facebook Group: Straight Forward Funding Sources (and Resources) for further news.)
And before we jump into the grant funding round up –
Would you like a bit of extra help with preparing, creating and submitting your funding applications?
Take a look at the Straight Forward Funding Membership Programme.
Low cost, high impact support delivered on a month to month basis
No contracts, no commitment, a simple ‘pay as you go’ process.
OPEN NOW
This is a really practical programme; there are no meetings involved, no commitments required – simply a ‘pick and mix’ offer of information, resources and 1:1 support.
This is what one of out members had to say this week after booking in for a Members Only SOS Call: “Thank you so much for your time on Wednesday and for all the information that you have sent over, I just had a really quick look and it is so, so helpful so thank you very much…I really appreciate it!!”
#Funding News
The Henry Smith Foundation (formerly the Henry Smith Charity) has published its new strategy and funding priorities:
We fund organisations supporting people through three key life transitions:
- Getting started – supporting families to give their young children a strong start
- Building independence – helping young people move into adulthood with confidence, skills and hope
- Safer futures – supporting people to rebuild their lives after abuse, displacement or prison.
They also run the Opportunity Fund to support early-stage work and projects that strengthen the charity sector and continue to run several long-standing programmes, including Kindred, Holiday grants and support for Anglican clergy. Holiday Grants and Clergy are open to applications now – keep an eye on the website for other opening dates.
The Woodward Charitable Trust is another Trust that has recently updated their strategy and guidelines:
WCT now only provides grants to organisations supporting disadvantaged families with young children up to age 11, and organisations that work directly with children of the same age group (0-11 years).
Grants of up to £10,000 per year for core costs are available for organisations with an annual income of up to £200,000, for a maximum of three consecutive years. The Trustees will also continue to provide one off grants. An organisation may receive funds for a maximum of three years in any five-year period.
WCT will prioritise funding organisations who are working in one or more of the following areas:
- Parenting / caregiving support
- Educational programmes for children both in and out of school, such as those that aim to boost attainment, attendance or emotional wellbeing
- Programmes and activities that benefit children’s wellbeing and development
- Pre-natal and post-natal support services
The current grant round is now open for online applications until 12 noon on Thursday 31st July 2025. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Arnold Clark Community Fund Cost of Living Support NOW OPEN
Applications for the Arnold Clark Community Fund Cost-of-Living Support are only eligible if the organisation falls in one of the following categories: foodbank, accommodation, poverty relief and where people/communities in the UK are the primary and immediate focus of investment. Applications are also only eligible if they’re made by an organisation that are based/operates solely in the UK and are located within 50 miles of an Arnold Clark branch.
They welcome applications from:
- UK-registered charities
- Local community groups
- Social enterprises
- Community interest companies
- Groups of organisations that are community or voluntary-led.
- Charitable incorporated organisations
Sofronie funds interventions which offer young people the opportunities to acquire skills for higher education or training for work.
If you are a registered charity or not for profit association and your work is focused on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds based in the UK, France or the Netherlands, then we would be delighted to consider your proposal for a grant.
Their focus for the immediate future is improving academic performances with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills and vocational programmes.
The Randal Foundation works to deliver the vision of their Founders, Dr Nik and Moni Kotecha – saving and significantly improving the lives of 1 million people, across the UK and globally. They work in partnership with inspirational organisations, bringing support and essential funding to both create opportunity and foster hope, for those in greatest need.
The Foundation provides grant funding to a wide-range of charities, voluntary and Non-Governmental Organisations, in the UK and globally, which deliver life-saving and life-changing services directly to individuals and communities, for public benefit.
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme has now reopened. The programme provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs – from a bed to sleep in or a cooker to provide a hot meal, to other items and services critical to a child’s wellbeing.
All applications must be made by a registered referrer and the programme has limited funding.
Each region or nation has a tier allocation, which may be subject to change, as the current funding year progresses. Applications must be completed by a registered referrer who is part of an organisation that is supporting the family or young person and capable of assessing their needs.
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust
Serving Families: On the Move is now accepting applications for grants of between £5K – £50K.
This new round aims to offer preventative or early intervention approaches with a focus on health and wellbeing to reduce the impact of relocation for newly arrived service families unfamiliar with their new community. Round 1: apply by 12 noon 23 July 2025
Apart, not Alone programme tackles the impact of service-related separation, offering support for armed forces families facing time apart.
This year, the programme offers two opportunities for funding:
- Grants of up to £50,000 for projects lasting up to two years.
- Portfolio grants of up to £300,000 towards projects targeting support for serving families facing challenges in specific UK locations, over a period of up to three years.
Apply by 12 noon 30 July 2025
#Just for Schools
John Lyon’s Charity gives grants to a range of schools that strive to support the life-chances of children and young people through education.
To be eligible to apply you must be a school based in the following boroughs: Brent, Camden, Barnet, Ealing, Harrow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, the City of Westminster or the City of London.
#Useful Stuff
Spring Impact have put together a useful Business–to–Impact Glossary
It’s a practical tool to help you:
- Translate business ideas into real non-profit contexts with integrity
- Refresh your thinking with clear explanations
- Spark helpful conversations with your team about what’s next
Download the full PDF here: The Glossary
(Printable. Shareable. Designed for both deep dives and quick reads.)
CAST help charities and social impact organisations to make the fullest use of digital technology in order to be as responsive and resilient as possible.
They have created an AI Resources Hub This is a living library of resources that they hope will support you as you explore the challenges and opportunities associated with AI.
UKGrantmaking is the definitive annual publication on grant funding in the UK.
It provides a comprehensive overview of who makes grants across all funding sectors – Government, Trusts and Foundations, National Lottery distributors, Donor-Advised Funds, and Charities.
It’s a free, interactive platform that collates and analyses information on grants made during the most recent year when published statutory accounts information was available.
Before I go…..
Are you making the most of my free resources? Use these links to receive my:
Schools and Education free termly newsletter
Visit my resources page for a host of free tools and resources
‘Straight Forward Funding Resources’ Facebook Group, where I post more info about funding, along with any useful information and resources.
See you next month!